Chelsea have given Portugal winger Pedro Neto a new five-year contract (with the option of a further year) and a pay rise, rewarding his strong start to the season after he rebuffed summer interest from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, to stay and play under Xabi Alonso. The move comes as Chelsea contrast Neto's loyalty with the departure of Enzo Fernández, who was sold to City for £125m on transfer deadline day after his relationship with teammates and the club soured, with the deal seen as fresh evidence that players committed to Alonso's project will be financially rewarded.

Neto, signed from Wolves for £54m in 2024, has scored twice in five appearances this season as an attacking wingback and has 40 goal involvements for the club overall, joining João Pedro, Reece James, Moisés Caicedo and Cole Palmer in agreeing improved terms recently. Fernández, by contrast, was not offered a new deal after his public criticism of Enzo Maresca's sacking and reported desire to join Real Madrid led to a two-game ban; he later submitted a written transfer request, and Chelsea concluded selling him to City, who appointed Maresca as head coach, was the right long-term decision despite denying they were "bullied" into it.